I think there was just a very extensive USENET review of the game on the USENET. Of course, I don't know how you draw the line between reviews and simply personal extended customer feedback. These days everyone and his brother are content producers.

Conclusion: "Battle of the Bulge" [shouldn't this be Battles from the Bulge?] is a complex and comprehensive strategy game, whose relatively steep learning curve is narrowed down to an adequate level by the included video tutorials, and fully recommended to hardcore gamers with good English skills, who are willing to buy a ticket for this first class trip through the Ardennes."

Hey Lützow, why would a game like BFTB require a "USK 18" rating? There's no "gore", violence, explicit language etc. in there. :P

Good thing you included a hint that ppl need a decent level of English in order to be able to delve into the manual, due to the fact that there's no German GUI/manual. Matrix should do something about it. [:)]

Btw, describing the weather change (when the snow kicks in) and the different map gfx would have been an informative addition. Also, on page 3, you make it sound like orders could only be issued when the game is paused (which is not the case, as you should know):

The second half of the sentence also gives the reader the impression, that you can only issue orders to Bns or Rgts., even though you can control (and micromanage) each and every unit, from a platoon (if present in the scenario) up to an Army/Corps HQ, if you want. You could then add that the usual (and recommended) command level would be the Rgt. or the Bn. Imho, the AI does best on the Rgt. level, but that may have changed in BFTB to some extent, I don't know.

Lützow -> RE: Reviews (6/10/2010 8:50:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GoodGuy

Hey Lützow, why would a game like BFTB require a "USK 18" rating? There's no "gore", violence, explicit language etc. in there. :P

Due to the fact that BftB was not revised by the German USK and in this country non-rated games are by default approved to adults only. That's at least what I got told.

quote:

The second half of the sentence also gives the reader the impression, that you can only issue orders to Bns or Rgts., even though you can control (and micromanage) each and every unit, from a platoon (if present in the scenario) up to an Army/Corps HQ, if you want.

Well, my concern was to give a short introduction for an audience interested in hardcore strategy and already proficient in hexbased wargaming, but not (yet) familiar with the unique Panther Engine. Pointing out every detail about BftB had bloat the review to a size that probably nobody would read it anymore.

Having said that, I may add another sentence or two for emphasizing the difference between macro- and micromanagement. And thank you for constructive criticism. [:)]

Despite a too-long list of minor annoyances and failings, Command Ops: Highway to the Reich is simply one of the best operational level games this reviewer has ever played. It rates stunning successes in the areas most wargamers hold most dear: accuracy and fidelity. The real-time two-down orders system means even incredibly complex scenarios remain manageable, and the game’s AI is stunningly effective. In short, this game deserves to be on the hard drive of every computer wargamer.

It’s that good.

Bletchley_Geek -> RE: Reviews and Awards (7/2/2013 6:17:09 AM)

A review on Battles for Greece, by Chelco, whom I consider a very informed non-professional reviewer